10 Simple Steps to a Happier YOU at Norris Hot Springs
Did you know March 20th was International Happiness Day? That may have gotten past you this year – unless you live in Finland, which once again ranked number one in the World Happiness Report. Canada comes in at number 6, and the US is lucky number 13.
An article in Success magazine gives 10 simple steps you can take to have a happier life – and they combine into an easy acronym GREAT DREAM. Give these a try!
1. Giving – Do things for others
2. Relating – Connect with people
3. Exercising – Take care of your body
4. Appreciating – Notice the world around you
5. Trying – Keep learning new things
6. Direction – Have goals to look forward to
7. Resilience – Find ways to bounce back
8. Emotion – Take a positive approach
9. Acceptance – Be comfortable with who you are
10. Meaning – Be part of something bigger.
The weather has turned, the grass is green, the temperatures are warm, the garden is booming and things out at Norris Hot Springs are very happy these days. The campground is open, summer hours allow soakers to enjoy the pool from ten to ten all days except Tuesday, and the 50 Mile Grill is serving locally sourced organic proteins and delicious grilled specials poolside – it’s summer!
You might wonder about visiting a hot springs in the summer. The water regulators are adjusted to cool the natural hot water to make it refreshing on even the warmest days. The wildlife populates the natural wetland as you soak, allowing a glimpse at the many summer residents that return each year – Sandhill cranes with their colts, swallows, blackbirds, songbirds, deer, antelope and more.
As the sunlight stretches later each day until Solstice, a campsite at Norris offers the perfect location to take in the sights and sounds of the wetland as the sun sets. Add a soak and dinner at the No Loose Dogs Saloon or 50 Mile Grill, and you’ve got the makings of a fine getaway only a half hour from Bozeman that’ll certainly give you a chance to put some of those life-improving steps into action.
Make sure and visit on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday to experience the finest regional and touring acoustic performers on the Poolside Stage beginning at 7pm.
Lang Termes provides the tunes on Friday, June 21st. His vocal style ranges from mellow folk ballads to growling boogie blues. His style of songwriting – both original music and lyrics – comes deep from the heart, or in some cases, bubbles up from his whimsical sense of irony. Lang’s selection of covers ranges from early country blues to the full gamut of contemporary classics. A few of his biggest influences include Muddy Waters, Woody Guthrie, Bruce Springsteen, Eddie Vedder, and Townes Van Zandt.
Roots rock duo Acoustic Roll follows on Saturday, June 22nd. Comprised of Rod Morrison and Mike Voeller, they’ll bring their guitar and percussion based acoustic music to the poolside stage. Expect to hear mellow sounds from the 60s and 70s (Stones, Beatles, Clapton, James Taylor, The Who, Dylan, Young) mixed with tasty jams and original tunes.
Christy Hays takes the Poolside Stage on Sunday, June 23rd. Splitting her time between Austin and Southwest Montana, the singer/songwriter’s music has folk and country tinges, thoughtfully penned stories and a full band sound that’s both driving alt country and moody folk rock. Compared to Brandi Carlile, Lucinda Williams, Rhett Miller, Kathleen Edwards and Patty Griffin, she has a sound uniquely her own. She’s shared the stage with Hayes Carll, Sturgil Simpson, Bruce Robison, Kelly Willis and Jeffery Foucault to name a few. River Swimmer, Hays’ third full-length and fifth release overall, brings the culmination of her influences and experiences traveling the world. The album is available now.
Enjoy the talents of Headwaters on Friday, June 28th. The duo plays acoustic blues in the manner of Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson, Mississippi John Hurt and other blues legends. Art Butler drives the music on the resonator. Phil Cohea plays rhythm guitar, harmonica and vocals for that genuine juke joint sound.
A new artist visits Norris on Saturday, June 29th – Jordyn Pepper. The Nashville-based singer/songwriter blends organic, deep-mountain roots, folk (with a little splash of soft blues) rock and country. Along with originals, Pepper loves to share some of her favorite hits from as far back as the ’60s. Come welcome her to Southwest Montana!
Nathan North closes out another month of live music on Sunday, June 30th. A Billings performer, Nathan uses loops to create complex and wonderful songs. He’ll be performing originals and notable covers.
Norris Hot Springs is a fantastic food destination featuring a wildlife-accented pool for soakers and adjoining campground – perfect for getting out of town without having to go the distance! Menus, directions and information about the natural minerals in the water can be found at www.norrishotsprings.com. Summer hours are 10am to 10pm daily, closed Tuesdays. •